“I love my new Genesis. I believe if Hyundai made the following update on the Genesis it would evoke an even higher standard. The Hyundai emblem, the Genesis label and the 3.8/5.0 on the back of the vehicle should be gold plated.”
Hyundai Genesis: Trims, Generations & Buyer's Guide
Last updated August 4, 2026
The Hyundai Genesis is a large premium sedan known for a quiet, spacious cabin, strong V6 or V8 power, and plenty of comfort and technology without a traditional luxury badge. It was Hyundai’s rear-wheel-drive luxury sedan before the same basic model became the Genesis G80 for 2017.
Across both generations, the Genesis paired rear-wheel-drive proportions and composed road manners with a roomy, carefully finished cabin. Its appeal was less about badge prestige and more about comfort, power, straightforward controls, and substantial standard equipment. The 2015 redesign modernized that formula and introduced the model’s first all-wheel-drive version, while the move to the Genesis G80 name continued its core identity.
Strengths
- The cabin is spacious, quiet, and carefully finished, giving the Genesis the calm feel expected of a luxury sedan.
- The V6 makes the 3.8 a broadly useful everyday car, while the V8 models deliver more effortless performance.
- The controls are straightforward, so the car’s generous technology remains easy to use.
- Its rear-wheel-drive foundation and composed road manners give it a settled, substantial feel on the road.
- Second-generation models added a stronger body structure, a quieter cabin, and newer active-safety technology.
Who it's for
The Genesis fits someone shopping for a comfortable used luxury sedan who cares more about space, quietness, power, and features than a prestigious badge. The 3.8 makes sense for everyday commuting and long trips, while the V8 versions suit drivers who place more value on effortless acceleration and additional upscale equipment.
Hyundai Genesis lineup
The 3.8 is the core Genesis and the one to pick for the model’s broadly useful mix of comfort and V6 power. The 4.6 is the earlier V8 choice for shoppers who want the original model’s stronger engine and, in later years, a fuller equipment list. The 5.0 R-Spec is the performance-focused flagship of the later first-generation lineup. In the second generation, the 5.0 became the V8 step-up for effortless power and a more complete set of safety, comfort, and audio features.
Hyundai Genesis generations
From 2009 to 2016, the Genesis spans two generations. The current 2nd Generation — DH arrived for 2015, following the 1st Generation — BH (2009–2014).
2nd Generation — DH (2015–2016)
The second-generation Genesis moved to a new rear-wheel-drive platform with a longer wheelbase, a stronger body, and completely redesigned styling and cabin. It also brought the model’s first AWD system on the 3.8. After 2016, this same basic sedan continued as the Genesis G80.
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2016
Automatic HID headlights and LED daytime running lights became standard. The V8 range was simplified to one fully equipped 5.0 model.
2015New generation
A full redesign brought a new rear-wheel-drive platform, new styling and cabin, an eight-speed automatic, added safety technology, and the first AWD Genesis 3.8.
1st Generation — BH (2009–2014)
The original Genesis was Hyundai’s first rear-wheel-drive premium sedan in the U.S., pairing a V6 or V8 with a comfort-focused cabin. A major 2012 update refreshed the styling and brought stronger engines plus an eight-speed automatic across the lineup.
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2014
The first-generation design carried over for its final year. The 3.8 gained standard 18-inch wheels and revised steering, while the 5.0 R-Spec added a heated steering wheel.
2013Trim changes
The 4.6 V8 and regular 5.0 left the lineup, leaving the 3.8 and 5.0 R-Spec. Certain versions also received a revised navigation interface.
2012Mid-cycle update
Refreshed exterior styling joined a new eight-speed automatic across the range. The 3.8 received a stronger direct-injected V6, and the new 5.0 R-Spec added a 429-hp V8.
2011
The 4.6 V8 gained 10 horsepower and made its former Technology Package equipment standard. The 3.8 changed little.
2010
The first-generation sedan largely carried over, with updates limited mainly to navigation, driver-assistance features, and package content.
2009New generation
The Genesis debuted as Hyundai’s first rear-wheel-drive premium sedan in the U.S., with V6 and V8 engines and six-speed automatic transmissions.
What's new by year
See what changed in a specific model year of the Hyundai Genesis.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hyundai Genesis considered a luxury car?
Yes. The Hyundai Genesis is a roomy luxury sedan built around a quiet cabin, leather-lined comfort, strong V6 or V8 power, straightforward controls, and premium technology without a traditional luxury badge.
Is the Hyundai Genesis a sedan or a coupe?
The Hyundai Genesis covered here is a four-door sedan with five seats. It has rear-drive proportions and a separate 15.3-cubic-foot trunk in the latest Hyundai-badged generation.
Does the Hyundai Genesis come as a hybrid?
No. The 2009–2016 Genesis sedan uses gasoline V6 or V8 engines. A hybrid version was not part of this Hyundai-badged sedan lineup.
Does the Hyundai Genesis have a V6 or a V8?
It has both across its run. The 3.8 is the main V6 version, while the 4.6, 5.0 R-Spec, and later 5.0 are V8 models. Output and transmission details vary by era, with all trims moving to an eight-speed automatic for 2012.
Does the Hyundai Genesis have all-wheel drive?
Yes, on some second-generation 3.8 sedans from the 2015–2016 era. Earlier Genesis sedans are rear-wheel drive, and the V8 versions retain the rear-wheel-drive layout.
How many generations of the Hyundai Genesis sedan are there?
There are two Hyundai-badged generations. The first runs from 2009–2014, and the redesigned second generation runs from 2015–2016. The same basic second-generation sedan became the Genesis G80 for 2017.
Who is the Hyundai Genesis a good fit for?
It suits someone who wants a spacious, quiet sedan with easy-to-use controls, strong highway power, and generous comfort equipment. The 3.8 fits everyday driving, while the V8 versions favor effortless power or sharper responses.
Hyundai Genesis Reviews
What owners are saying about the Hyundai Genesis.
4.4
Hyundai Genesis
(560 reviews)
“It Has Been Well Worth The Money For A Mid Luxury Level Car At Entry-Level Price.”
“I love my 2016 Hyundai Genesis Sedan. Fun to drive, smooth, and quiet. You can use a regular gas drive; the Tech and Signature options have excellent safety features. Do your research and best of luck on the journey.”
“I love everything about the vehicle with one exception. The back seats don't fold down and there is only one piece in the middle of the back seats that you can open to slide things through if the trunk isn't large enough.”
“Great car with many many new technologies that saves many instances of possible accident. Silent inside and smoothest ride, but capable to hold road. Only problem is the tire - not giving good grip feel and drifts on the concrete highway. Saw in internet there is recall for the tire, but have not heard anything from Hyundai.”
“Good power for the size of the vehicle. Has great options and is not the same old Camaro and Mustang on the road.”